This might seem like a bit of a duplicate review since I reviewed the film THROUGH THE NEVER when I saw it in the theatre back in 2013, however this DVD has a number of extra features worth discussing including a very generous 3 hours of bonus footage. I also feel that not as many people saw the movie in it's theatrical run for a couple of weeks (it lost millions) and it is more likely that people might be interested in a review of the DVD to aid in their purchase decisions. I loved the film but this review is more about the DVD presentation. Please feel free to read my review of the feature film itself, also found here on Metal-Rules.com.

As with any movie your enjoyment of the feature will likely determine how much time you are willing to spend watching bonus features about it. There are some people who don’t actually want to watch the bonus features as it takes away a bit of the movie making ‘magic’ and the sense of wonder of ‘How did they do that?’. For myself, I really enjoyed THROUGH THE NEVER in the theater so I watched the extra disc.

The main bonus feature is a 77-minute documentary called ‘Hit The Lights-The Making of Through The Never’. It took almost two years to build the design, build, test, transport re-test, modify and eventually play on what is though to be the largest indoor set of all time. Then they had to film the movie in 3-D. The technical aspect was very interesting with all members of the band and countless crew-members and managers getting interviewed. It was a very interesting behind the scenes look at this monster project and gave a glimpse of sheer scale of the Metallica machine.

For the more advanced film fan, there is footage, 30 minutes worth, of a Q&A session with the lead actor, (Dane DeHaan) the band and the director, Nimrod Antal. There are also highlights from the Orion Film fest as well with a very casual Lars Ulrich and key film personnel doing a Q&A session that lasts almost an hour. There are also extended interviews with the sound crew and more. It is pretty in-depth on all levels.

As for the movie itself, it certainly is fun to watch again but at home on the small screen in 2-D just can’t compare with the initial fully immersive, 3-D Imax experience.

Many critics are calling it the best rock and roll movies of all time and comparing it to movies like THE WALL and I have to agree. Three hours of bonus stuff plus the movie make this DVD worth getting, for both Metallica fans and fans of film.